Marathon Iraq talks in US Senate
 |  Beds, pillows and snacks were brought in for the session  |
Setting up beds Beds, pillows and snacks were brought into the Senate building, where votes were being held through the night.
The Democrats control the Senate 51-49, but so far have been unable to raise the 60 votes needed to move the proposal to a final vote.
Republican leaders dismissed the debate as a publicity stunt.
But Senate Democratic Majority leader Harry Reid said: "Republicans will need to choose whether they want to protect the president or protect our troops."
Anti-war demonstrators have also been holding a candle-lit vigil outside the Senate as the marathon debate goes on.
Sleepless night
The legislation at stake, proposed by Democratic senators Carl Levin and Jack Reed, would require the withdrawal of most US troops from Iraq by the end of April 2008, with redeployment starting within 120 days of the bill's passage.
The vote to bring the debate to an end and move to a final ballot is expected to take place at about noon (1600 GMT).
So far, the legislation has drawn the support of three Republicans, but most continue to back the White House. 
Even if the measure were passed, it would likely be vetoed by President George Bush.
Opening the round-the-clock debate, Democrat Richard Durbin said: "The Senate spending a sleepless night is no great sacrifice. Soldiers and families who pray for them spend many sleepless nights."
Using a procedural measure, the Republicans have insisted on 60 votes for victory rather than a simple majority of the Senate's 100 members.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said: "It's perfectly fine with us to stay here today and this evening."
But he added: "Our enemies aren't threatened by talk-a-thons, and our troops deserve better than publicity stunts."
Many Republicans have backed Mr Bush's call to wait until a 15 September progress report on Iraq before considering a change in direction.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6903636.stm
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